Senator Lidia Thorpe has reaffirmed her stance following her suspension from the Senate for tearing up a motion presented by Pauline Hanson and displaying a middle finger gesture towards fellow senators. The incident unfolded amidst a heated debate where Payman, an Afghan-born senator, accused Hanson of racist remarks, to which Thorpe responded by labeling Hanson’s actions as ‘disgusting’. Thorpe stated, ‘What Senator Hanson did to Senator Payman was an act of disgusting racism, questioning Senator Payman’s legitimacy in this chamber.’ She expressed her determination to speak out against racism, stating, ‘I would do it again’. Following the incident, Thorpe was suspended for the rest of the sitting week. She voiced concerns over the parliament’s handling of racism, criticizing the label of ‘naughty little Blak girl’ that seems to be directed at her and others who call out such behavior. ‘They are quick to punish the Blak woman here all the time for calling it out. It seems like there’s one rule for white people who get away with racism, and one rule for us when we call it out,’ she said.
The Government Senate leader, Penny Wong, addressed the motion, highlighting multiple instances of Thorpe’s inappropriate remarks towards other senators and stressing the need for a safe working environment for all Australians. The motion passed with 45 votes in favor and 11 against, with the Greens Party opposing it in support of Thorpe. In response to Wong’s comments, Thorpe urged the government to take stronger action against racism, specifically calling out Hanson for her inflammatory speech in parliament. Thorpe advocated for an open inquiry into racism, arguing that if it cannot be addressed within parliament, it cannot be eradicated nationwide. She declared her intent to continue her activism until the issue is acknowledged seriously.
The Senate has also voted to refer an inquiry into racism to an internal committee. This suspension prevents Thorpe from advancing a private member’s bill concerning genocide that was scheduled for discussion. Thorpe questioned the timing of her suspension, suggesting it was strategically planned to impede her legislative efforts. On the same day she was suspended, Thorpe made headlines again by entering the press gallery chanting ‘free Palestine’. Protests supporting her bill are anticipated to take place outside parliament, with Thorpe confirming her participation, stating, ‘They may not be able to pass the legislation that needs to be passed today because they suspended me for standing up to a racist.’
